Penn State Interim Coach; Rhule Emerges as Top Candidate

After James Franklin’s firing, Penn State is being led by interim coach Terry Smith, who after a loss to Iowa has prioritized fixing a struggling passing attack that has declined since starter Drew Allar’s injury. Freshman Ethan Grunkmeyer went 15-of-28 for 93 yards with two interceptions and no completions over 15 yards in that game, and the Nittany Lions rank near the bottom of FBS passing yards per game. Smith says he has spoken with his receivers and will diversify the offense with more play-action and vertical concepts to avoid being one-dimensional. The coaching search remains active, with ESPN analysts naming Matt Rhule and Matt Campbell as frontrunners and others mentioning Pat Fitzgerald. NFL offensive coordinator Joe Brady has been discussed as an outsider, with rumors of possible backing from alum/owner Terry Pegula though some doubt he would leave the NFL, and Curt Cignetti appears off the board after signing a large long-term deal.